During the transition to adulthood, young people distinguish themselves from the generations before them. Forms of distinction often find expression in youth culture. In this process, young people learn to navigate change, become independent and take on responsibility.
“There’s a way to know whether you’ve grown up or not, it’s when you get your first washing machine. And I have one.” – Tiago, aged 25
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No one becomes an adult overnight.
“Let’s call the transition period between youth and adulthood ‘Emerging Adulthood’.” – Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Arnett, Psychologist at Clark University, Massachusetts.
More opportunities, more risks.
Because nowadays:
- Economic shifts
- Longer training programmes
- More complex career paths
Today, there is a wide range of possibilities for choosing a profession, defining career paths, and setting goals independently and with personal responsibility.
Change in traditional transition patterns
However, traditional transition patterns are becoming less relevant, as a growing number of options allows for greater individualisation but also makes decision-making more difficult.
Freedom of choice = high personal responsibility
Transition markers
Key events that are important for many young people as they grow up:
- Earning one’s first own salary
- Moving out of the parental home
- Starting a family
Entry into the labour market
Success depends on:
- Educational qualifications
- Socioeconomic status
- Family support
Challenges during the transition
Certain problematic situations can disrupt young people’s identity development:
- Periods of unemployment
- Temporary contracts
- Needs: “More psychological support. I need more help with my self-confidence.”
In 2023, 28.3% of all young people aged 15 to 24 in Luxembourg were at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Young people are more affected by unemployment than the general population.
About the exhibition
This contribution was created as part of the exhibition “Jonk sinn. Momenter vu Jugendkultur“ (Being young. Moments of youth culture) and was developed by researchers from the Centre for Childhood and Youth Research(CCY). The exhibition was curated by Luc Spada, the visual design is the work of Laura Deitz. The scientific communication concept was developed by Moritz Höpner and implemented in collaboration with the researchers at the CCY. The exhibition was created on the initiative of the Service national de la jeunesse (SNJ) as part of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of Europe 2024/2025. The exhibition can be seen at the Mierscher Theatre from 24/02/2025 to 14/07/2025.
